Why It Is Done

A complete medical history and
physical exam will help your doctor find the cause of your symptoms. It will
also help decide whether you need more tests.

Results

The results of the medical history and physical
exam may mean that a person needs to begin routine testing for colorectal
cancer earlier than age 50 and have it more often. Your doctor may recommend earlier or more
frequent testing if you:

Already have been diagnosed with colorectal
cancer.

Have a first-degree relative (parent, brother, sister, or
child) with an
adenomatous polyp or colorectal
cancer.

Have had adenomatous polyps removed
from your colon. This type of polyp is more likely to turn into cancer, though
the risk is still very low.

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